soundtrack

American  

[sound-trak] / ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the narrow band on one or both sides of a motion-picture film on which sound is recorded.

2. the sound recorded on a motion-picture film; audio portion of a film.

3. the music or dialogue from a film available on a commercial recording.

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soundtrack British  

/ ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the recorded sound accompaniment to a film Compare commentary

2. a narrow strip along the side of a spool of film, which carries the sound accompaniment

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verb

1. (tr) to provide a continuous accompaniment of sounds, esp music

Etymology

Origin of soundtrack

First recorded in 1925–30; sound ¹ + track

Explanation

The music that a movie is set to is its soundtrack. Some soundtracks are composed and recorded especially for a film, while others are made up of many songs by different musicians. TV shows and video games often have soundtracks too, although the concept started with films. During the silent film era, musicians would sometimes play live music to accompany a movie screening. The origin of the term soundtrack goes back to approximately the same time that the first "talkie," or film with sound (1929's "The Jazz Singer"), was screened for audiences. A recorded album featuring the music from a movie is also called a soundtrack.

Example Sentences

The soundtrack to her life is becoming a muddle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

I liked to think so, especially when the soundtrack to the finale came on, Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes,” a tribute to the Old Hollywood actor and her timeless, teasing gaze.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Part of the reason for the cost, it turns out, is that the soundtrack is stuffed with pricey needle drops, like The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

The singer announced that her new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” will be released Friday as part of the soundtrack for “Toy Story 5,” which hits theaters June 19.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

I’m about to crawl up to my top bunk and turn on the Black Panther soundtrack when our doorbell rings.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks